Supporting students who self-identify as Muslim in a timely and effective way, and in a way centered on their success and wellness.
Farah Chouayakh, Student Affairs Liaison for Muslim Students
Email: farah.chouayakh [at] mcgill.ca (farah[dot]chouayakh[at]mcgill[dot]ca)
Don’t hesitate to reach out to Farah. She is there to:
- Listen to Muslim students and refer them towards the appropriate resources so that they feel better equipped to succeed and flourish.
- Foster a climate where Muslim students feel heard, seen, supported, empowered, and celebrated.
- Create opportunities for building a sense of community and spaces that feel safe, nourishing, and inspiring for Muslim students.
- Raise awareness about Islamophobia and increase the McGill community’s understanding of Islam and Muslim identities.
Learning resources
The Canadian Guide to Understanding and Combatting Islamophobia: For a more inclusive Canada
Canadian Muslims: Identities and Experiences (Redpath Book Display to mark the UN's International Day to Combat Islamophobia)
Support and reporting resources for Islamophobia and discrimination
National Council of Canadian Muslim's Know your student rights pamphlet
Report an incident with the National Council of Canadian Muslims
Free, confidential, and supportive counselling services for Muslim women and youth who have experienced religious, racial or culture-based violence via the Islamophobia Support Line
Support and advocacy for Canadian Muslims who have experienced anti-Muslim discrimination or hate crimes via the National Council for Canadian Muslims
Reporting incidents of racism, Islamophobia, or xenophobia via the Coalition of Muslim Women of Kitchener-Waterloo's Report Hate tool
Quiet space on campus and beyond
Muslim Student Association's list of quiet spaces at McGill
Food and groceries on campus and beyond
Muslim Student Association's Halal food recommendations: Halal Food across Montreal
Off-campus resources for Muslims, by Muslims
Book an appointment with a Muslim Chaplain at Mont-Lumiere Foundation
Confidential and culturally competent psycho-social support for women experiencing abuse at the Amal Center for Women
Family law resources for Muslim women from the Canadian Council of Muslim Women’s Legal Resources
Holding Space
A Support Group for Grief, Identity, and Healing for Muslim, Arab, or Palestinian Students
This online support group, offered by McGill Student Wellness Hub Counsellors, is a space of care and connection for Muslim, Arab, or Palestinian students navigating collective grief and suffering. Together, participants will explore the emotional weight of ongoing loss, the complexities of diasporic identity, and the power of shared healing. Through open conversation and guided reflection, participants will process and support grief reactions, honour both vulnerability and resilience, and make space for anger, sorrow, pain, and hope. This is not a space for political debate or discussion of geo-political issues, but rather a space to centre emotional experiences. This is a space where your emotions are valid, your story matters, and your healing is supported— whether you come to speak, to listen, or simply to be present, you are welcome here. Each session is independent; you are welcome to register for one or all sessions. Please register at least 24 hours prior to the start of the support group.
Monday, September 28 at 1:30 pm
Thursday, October 15 at 11:00 am
Monday, October 26 at 1:30 pm
Thursday, November 9 at 10:00 am
Thursday, November 26 at 1:30 pm
Monday, December 7 at 10am
Please check and confirm session dates on MyFuture.
Chaplaincy
The Mont Lumiere Foundation (MLF) offers free chaplaincy services to students from various universities and colleges in Montreal. Whether you have questions about Islam, are struggling with social or mental challenges, or need some guidance, the chaplaincy team is there to fulfill the spiritual and psychosocial needs of Montreal's youth and to provide support for their spiritual and mental well being.
